Lisa Leslie

Joe Clarke, 75, a youth basketball icon in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years who founded the Watts Magicians travel team and helped dozens of boys and girls try to reach their basketball dreams on and off the court, died Thursday at Lakewood Regional Medical Center after an illness, according to family friend Ronald Scipio.

Born in Panama on Jan. 11, 1936, Clarke teamed with Willie Naulls to create the South-Central L.A. Athletic Club, which evolved into the Watts Magicians travel team. It became an outlet and opportunity for young boys and girls to play basketball.

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Joe ClarkeYouth basketball icon in Los Angeles
Joe Clarke, 75, a youth basketball icon in Los Angeles for nearly 40 years who founded the Watts Magicians travel team and helped dozens of boys and girls try to reach their basketball...